Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/
In a sign of SNC’s commitment to flying Dream Chaser in space, this (AtlasV) launch is not understood to be subject to their Commercial Crew funding with NASA, with long lead procurements already lined up.
Quote from: DC articleIn a sign of SNC’s commitment to flying Dream Chaser in space, this (AtlasV) launch is not understood to be subject to their Commercial Crew funding with NASA, with long lead procurements already lined up.That's a big deal. I was kind of wondering about that. It seems SNC is really commited to DC regardless of what happens during CCtCap. That's a big plus for DC, if NASA sees SNC as fully commited to finishing DC regardless of whether they get partial, full or no funding, this could actually increase the chances of SNC for CCtCap. I believe that skin in the game will be given more weight in the next round.
"SNC is thrilled to be the first company to confirm a launch date for our country’s return to orbital human spaceflight and the restart of human spaceflight operations from Florida’s Space Coast,” added Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems.
I can't wait for the next flight of the ETA.
This great news certainly got the juice flowing again. Thanks for the great article Chris.
Quote from: catdlr on 01/24/2014 10:49 pmThis great news certainly got the juice flowing again. Thanks for the great article Chris. +1Is it safe to say that the OTV construction will proceed and the Atlas V flight is funded regardless of pending commercial crew awards? If so, that certainly boosts my optimism and I'm looking forward to watching this program continue to progress.
SNC, MSFC and Teledyne Brown have announced there additional working relationships in a briefing today:http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=386"Sirangelo outlined the substantial contribution each partner will make towards the Dream Chaser Advanced Development program. Sirangelo stated, “Today we are pleased to announce that we are increasing our presence in Alabama by expanding our relationship with the Marshall Space Flight Center and adding Teledyne Brown Engineering to our growing Dream Chaser team. Each of these organizations provide experts in their respective fields and have already begun applying their invaluable knowledge and experience. We will work together to evaluate future low-Earth orbit (LEO) mission concepts for the Dream Chaser in the area of scientific payload operations with the goal of enhancing and enabling science in LEO. We are honored they are joining our already dynamic list of partners – our “Dream Team” - which now includes over 15 companies, seven NASA centers and a growing list of universities. The team spans more than 30 states and several countries with the common goal of furthering the development of the multi-mission Dream Chaser spacecraft.”
International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM)The mechanical design of the IBDM data package continues. The avionic architecture definition has been completed and the new electro-mechanical actuators and the mechanism lock-down system have been tested. The Sierra Nevada Corporation confirmed their interest in the use of the IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. Technical exchanges over the features of the IBDM and the main aspects of the mechanism to vehicle interface took place in December.
Operation Avionics Subsystem (OAS)The SRR for the cockpit mock-up was performed on 15 November. A set of activities based on the work performed in the OAS was discussed with the Sierra Nevada Corp. for application in the development of Dream Chaser. These include cockpit layout definition, displays (based on X-38/CRV programmes), simulators, certification of software and electronic procedures.